New to the group 🤗 Taking control...

[LouA2016]

Back to morning yoga and evening meditation! I don't know why I stopped... within a matter of days my anxiety issues crept back in!

[Super-]

Welcome LouA.

It's easy to stop something when you start to feel better. We just need to remember that the reason we feel better is because of the intervention. I wish I had your dedication as I really want to do both yoga and meditation. I keep using the excuse that I'm to inflexible for yoga, but I'm not doing anything to correct that. I keep saying I will when...

I look around on YouTube for a good guided meditation and save them then never actually complete one.

Maybe I'll use you as my motivation to commit to these. All I have to do is promise myself I'll do it for one day. If it's not terrible, I do it for one more day. I think type A in me has to have it perfect or not at all. Lots to work on I guess.

But congrats on your realization and dedication to your mental health. You're already a few steps of many of us, since you know what works for you.

Namaste.

[LouA2016 in reply to Super-]

That's exactly what I did I think, I began to save lots of you tube clips and began to make excuses and before I knew it is stopped altogether which was insane as actually LOVED doing it!! On reflection I more than likely overwhelmed myself and made things more complicated than it needed to be. I am going to start from scratch and keep things simple, give it ago yourself and we can encourage each other?! I am planning in doing a simple sun salutation each morning for the first week then step it up just a notch.

As for the meditation, that's a personal choice, what suits one may not another, I love midfi apps as they are not overly 'cheesy' and simple. Sometimes I just listen to Ludovico Einaudi whilst focusing on deep counted breathing, although I prefer to do this outdoors and I am lucky to have a beautiful garden which bring me peace to do this in 😍

Have a go and find what you enjoy 🖒

[Super- in reply to LouA2016]

You got it. I've never done yoga before but since I've always wanted to, I'll commit to it. The sun salutation doesn't look too crazy. I'll do it tomorrow morning, unless you suggest something easier to start. Hope I don't pull something 😉. Btw how long does it usually last? I saw a few videos on YouTube about 3-10 minutes. Really this is probably going to become a stretching session for me. Tight hammies and lower back.

Since I'm not sleeping to we'll, I may be up early enough to catch the meteor shower before the sun rises and then the yoga. Trying not to complicate it too much.

Enjoy your garden tomorrow. That sounds perfect.

[Hidden]

It's things like those that you are doing that help the most I think. Proven by you when you stopped.

I hope you keep at it this time.

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

I fully intend to 🖒more than anything... I just love how it nakes me feel 🤗

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

When I do some exercise I feel great too.

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

It makes such a difference 🤗

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

It does, how often do you do it?

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

I used to do 6 days a week with a full rest day but now I'm only doing 2 to 3 days due to lack of self esteem, anxiety and studies (although studies are completed now so I should be able to get back into it and up my days!)

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

That should get you back on track

What did you study?

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

I've just spent 5 years full time study at uni to become a teacher and just graduatued so I've decided to take some time now to focus on myself 😁

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

Congratulations!

A well deserved time out for yourself then.

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

Time to overcome the things I thought I never could 🤗

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

And so far have you overcome any of them?

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

Well I went on a bunch of fair rides 😂😂 may sound daft but my anxiety of all the things that could go wrong has always stopped me having fun! So I found the child within🙈 To graduate with distinction was on my list and that's ticked, to eat out in a busy restaurant I've done although I hired a private dining area so I was away from most of the hustle and bustle so that might be a 'cheat. Others left on my list are things like put myself in a swimming costume and swim! Get back in a car and pass my test.

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

Did you do ok at the fair rides?

Maybe you can go to a restaurant again and try going the whole way... It was only half a cheat

Swimming and a costume, I sort of get that one I'm similar on that.

The car thing can be tricky for anyone, but you will do it I bet.

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

I went on every single one 🙈

You're right i should deffo try and go the whole way with the restaurant 🖒💪

What are your issues with the swimming?

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

Did the rides scare you at all?

I haven't swam in about 30 years but I think my issue is really that I feel vulnerable in just swimming shorts, think I'm being looked at by everyone. What about you?

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

Having to wait and watch others go one rides before me made my palms sweaty 😂 but when I was on them and they started I was fine and loved it! Hands up in the air like I just didn't care 😂🙈🤗

30 years is such a long time to miss out on something so great isn't it. I haven't been in a swimming costume for 7 years and the thought of it make me feel ill. Yes I'm the same as you I hate the thought of people seeing me in a costume as it too makes me feel vulnerable but it also frustrates me as I know swimming is a benefical exercise for anxiety!

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

There was no stopping you on those rides then

Yes 30 years is a long time, I do think of going sometimes but I never do.

Maybe I should just go do it and try to realise that people are not looking at me or even if they are it isn't doing any harm. I don't even go to a beach in just shorts. Maybe I am just not confident about being half naked in public.

:/

[LouA2016 in reply to Hidden]

Just do it 🖒 life is too short to waste time 🖒 I've got myself a costume and I'm working up on my confidence. If I can get in that pool... so can you x

[Hidden in reply to LouA2016]

So you are going for it then?

I suppose the best way is to just get it over with. When are you going to attempt it? ☺

[lfn1]

A good bit of advice - when you go over 90 days of exercise, you become what is considered committed. The pattern remains and you can find it hard to have an appointment or something interrupt the flow. Keep telling yourself that your exercise knocks the anxiety in place and adds to the fight against diabetes. We must do our best to stay focused. Compliments to Jimatom and Super- we are all rooting for you. Do your best and welcome to the group.

[Hidden in reply to lfn1]

Thank you very much.

[LouA2016 in reply to lfn1]

Thankyou for your advice 🖒focus is sure the key!